Despite a ceasefire declared ten days ago, Israeli forces have continued military operations in Southern Lebanon, including targeting journalists, raising serious concerns about violations of international law. The latest casualty is Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil, who died after being trapped beneath rubble following an Israeli airstrike and subsequent obstruction of rescue efforts.

Khalil had been reporting on the aftermath of Israeli strikes in Southern Lebanon alongside photojournalist Zainab Faraj. After an airstrike killed two civilians in a nearby vehicle, the two journalists sought shelter inside a building. Israeli forces then targeted the building, trapping the journalists under debris for several hours. Attempts by ambulances to reach the trapped journalists were reportedly impeded, with rescue teams unable to access the site promptly. Colleagues who communicated with Khalil while she was trapped reported that she initially survived the bombing. However, she was later found dead when the International Committee of the Red Cross was granted access. Faraj remains in critical condition.

Human rights watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have labeled the killing and the prevention of medical assistance as a confirmed war crime. The CPJ has criticized what it describes as Israel’s ongoing disregard for international law and the international community’s failure to hold the Israeli government accountable.

This incident is not isolated. In December 2023, two journalists covering the aftermath of an Israeli strike on a United Nations school in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, were likewise injured, with rescue efforts delayed by Israeli forces. Samer Abu Daqqa, a cameraman for Al-Jazeera Arabic, succumbed to his wounds after bleeding for nearly five hours. Wael Dahdouh, a veteran journalist and Gaza bureau chief, was also wounded during that incident.

Since October 7, 2023, fifteen journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon, according to the CPJ. Additionally, nine other media personnel have died under similar circumstances during the same period, including Ali Shaeib, Fatima Founti, Suzanne Khalil, Mohammad Shre, Wissam Qassem, Ghassan Najjar, Mohammad Reda, Farah Omar, and Rabih Al-Maamari.

Judy Ginsberg, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, condemned the killings and cited what she called Israel’s “blatant disregard” for international legal obligations. She also criticized the international community’s lack of effective response to these incidents.

Israeli authorities have not publicly commented on the recent targeting of journalists or the obstruction of medical aid in Southern Lebanon. The continuation of hostilities despite the declared ceasefire underscores heightened tensions and ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region.